Lovely version of a great song
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Monday, November 19, 2007
Out And About In Singapore
Bottom middle is afternoon tea in the Fullerton Hotel. The Fullerton used to be the General Post Office building and was used by the Japanese as their HQ during the occupation of Singapore in WWII. Central photo is Bev and Babs leaning on Sir Stamford Raffles, but when I put this photo in the collage, he was decapitated!
Arthur Mee
Arthur Mee who are you?
A name, a person long since dead
Living flesh and bones?
A body that possessed a soul
Created by almighty God
To live on earth
To do as He would want you to
Arthur Mee?
You wrote your letters Arthur Mee
To boys both large and small
And in the schools of England
Your books filled every hall
I wonder what you looked like
Were you bearded or clean?
Were your collars stiff and white?
Were your stockings really green?
Arthur Mee... Far So La Tee Doe
1968 - He really existed! - Click post title for information on Arthur Mee
A name, a person long since dead
Living flesh and bones?
A body that possessed a soul
Created by almighty God
To live on earth
To do as He would want you to
Arthur Mee?
You wrote your letters Arthur Mee
To boys both large and small
And in the schools of England
Your books filled every hall
I wonder what you looked like
Were you bearded or clean?
Were your collars stiff and white?
Were your stockings really green?
Arthur Mee... Far So La Tee Doe
1968 - He really existed! - Click post title for information on Arthur Mee
Old Age
Like a child in the grip of life
Tossed upon a sea of infirmity
Precious gifts
Given back
To He who gave them
Like a tree – the leaves of life
Fall away and bare the branches
Old and withered...
To the cold
A mother’s babe
So soft and smooth
A tiny soul
An old man
Hobbling alone
Can the two...
Have ever been the same?
Memories cherished of long ago
Dream-like days
And painful nights
Visitors of old come in broken sleep
The days come and go
What joy is this
In being old
And alone?
Making tea for one -
Going to the cupboard
To find utensils
One of each
‘Cos no one ever calls
Remembering…..
When I was young and strong
And laughter lived
For that short time
In my life
But now the smooth babe
That I was, is now...
Wrinkled and old
1969
Tossed upon a sea of infirmity
Precious gifts
Given back
To He who gave them
Like a tree – the leaves of life
Fall away and bare the branches
Old and withered...
To the cold
A mother’s babe
So soft and smooth
A tiny soul
An old man
Hobbling alone
Can the two...
Have ever been the same?
Memories cherished of long ago
Dream-like days
And painful nights
Visitors of old come in broken sleep
The days come and go
What joy is this
In being old
And alone?
Making tea for one -
Going to the cupboard
To find utensils
One of each
‘Cos no one ever calls
Remembering…..
When I was young and strong
And laughter lived
For that short time
In my life
But now the smooth babe
That I was, is now...
Wrinkled and old
1969
The Summer Sleeps - Goodbye To Jane
Clouds scuttling across an Autumn sky
Chased by cool winds with icy tongues
Birds rise and soar up high
The winds pause, to fill their lungs
Trees shed leaves and sadly shiver
“We hate winter” they seem to say
The squirrels noses start to quiver
Time for sleep, till’ Spring anyway
And the waters, cold and blue
Reflect the clouds' coldness too
And lovers part – for life is cold
Because summer’s love has now grown old
1968 – Wriiten at the end of a love affair
Chased by cool winds with icy tongues
Birds rise and soar up high
The winds pause, to fill their lungs
Trees shed leaves and sadly shiver
“We hate winter” they seem to say
The squirrels noses start to quiver
Time for sleep, till’ Spring anyway
And the waters, cold and blue
Reflect the clouds' coldness too
And lovers part – for life is cold
Because summer’s love has now grown old
1968 – Wriiten at the end of a love affair
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Complete Collection of Rudyard Kipling's Poems
Click on the title to be taken to a great site with all of Kipling's poems. Enjoy them!
My Boy Jack - Rudyard Kipling
Last Sunday I watched on TV, David Haigh's play of the same name. It was truly a memorable event. Here is Kipling's poem.
'My Boy Jack' (1916)
'Have you news of my boy Jack?
'Not this tide.
'When d'you think that he'll come back?
'Not with this wind blowing, and this tide.
'Has any one else had word of him?
'Not this tide.
For what is sunk will hardly swim,
Not with this wind blowing, and this tide.
'Oh, dear, what comfort can I find?
'None this tide,
Nor any tide,
Except he did not shame his kind -
Not even with that wind blowing, and that tide.
Then hold your head up all the more,
This tide,
And every tide;
Because he was the son you bore,
And gave to that wind blowing and that tide!
Kipling's son, John, was lost in action during the Battle of Loos, September 1915. His body was never recovered until long after his father's death and the war's end. Kipling and his wife had to endure long years of uncertainty regarding their son's fate.This poem was published to accompany some articles written on the Battle of Jutland, May 1916 - the largest naval engagement between British and German warships during the war. British losses - of men and ships - were heavier than that of the Germans, although the German High Fleet never attempted to come out of port again for the rest of the war.
Rudyard Kipling
pre1914:Tommy (1890)Recessional (1897)
writing directly elated to the First World War:Prose -Mary PostgateThe Gardener
Poetry -The BeginningsEpitaph 'My Boy Jack'Mesopotamia Justice The HyaenasGethsemane En-dor
'My Boy Jack' (1916)
'Have you news of my boy Jack?
'Not this tide.
'When d'you think that he'll come back?
'Not with this wind blowing, and this tide.
'Has any one else had word of him?
'Not this tide.
For what is sunk will hardly swim,
Not with this wind blowing, and this tide.
'Oh, dear, what comfort can I find?
'None this tide,
Nor any tide,
Except he did not shame his kind -
Not even with that wind blowing, and that tide.
Then hold your head up all the more,
This tide,
And every tide;
Because he was the son you bore,
And gave to that wind blowing and that tide!
Kipling's son, John, was lost in action during the Battle of Loos, September 1915. His body was never recovered until long after his father's death and the war's end. Kipling and his wife had to endure long years of uncertainty regarding their son's fate.This poem was published to accompany some articles written on the Battle of Jutland, May 1916 - the largest naval engagement between British and German warships during the war. British losses - of men and ships - were heavier than that of the Germans, although the German High Fleet never attempted to come out of port again for the rest of the war.
Rudyard Kipling
pre1914:Tommy (1890)Recessional (1897)
writing directly elated to the First World War:Prose -Mary PostgateThe Gardener
Poetry -The BeginningsEpitaph 'My Boy Jack'Mesopotamia Justice The HyaenasGethsemane En-dor
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Our Last Night in Singapore at Clarke Quay
Colin thought the bottom middle pic would indicate me negotiating with young girls for "Me ruv you rong time!" In fact they were students selling bracelets and I bought 3 - one from each!
Our Friends' House
Interesting story about the cabinet shown in picture on top right of collage - The cabinet is 17th century and was made in Thailand. Apparently it is a dowry cabinet. When a daughter was born, a tree was planted and when the daugher married or was betrothed, the Father would cut the tree down and make a cabinet, which would then be used to store the wedding gifts. Upon the marriage, the cabinet and all it's contents would be given to the newlyweds. In this particular case, there is not one nail or screw in the cabinet. It is entirely made of wood and dowling for the connections.
Wat Pho - Temple of Reclining Buddha - Bangkok
Click on post title for information on Wat Pho - The Temple Of The Reclining Buddha
Monday, October 08, 2007
Hugh's 13th birthday - 18 May 1960
Written by my Mother (Patricia Jones) in 1960
The ripe old age of thirteen years
you have attained today
Here's hoping that good luck and joy
will stay with you always
May happiness attend you
Good health be yours and then
Let courage be your guiding light
to the Fellowship of Men
For tho' you are now just a youth
with all youth's joys and tears
To Man's Estate one day you'll come
In not so many years
So set your sights on targets high
and train your heart and mind
Be brave and thoughtful in all things
and to others always kind
Help those who need a helping hand
And give to those in need
Then you can rest assured my Son
Life will be Full indeed
The ripe old age of thirteen years
you have attained today
Here's hoping that good luck and joy
will stay with you always
May happiness attend you
Good health be yours and then
Let courage be your guiding light
to the Fellowship of Men
For tho' you are now just a youth
with all youth's joys and tears
To Man's Estate one day you'll come
In not so many years
So set your sights on targets high
and train your heart and mind
Be brave and thoughtful in all things
and to others always kind
Help those who need a helping hand
And give to those in need
Then you can rest assured my Son
Life will be Full indeed
Moving ~ written 29 April 1979
Such an age I have been here with my wife and my kids
Ten years of our lives have we shared in this home
The fights and the laughter, the tantrums and tears
Our hopes for the future, our ambitions and fears
Parties and friends, family and loved ones have all been
Oh Lord what will happen, will it all start again?
And now we are moving away from Croft Heys
A place where we've spent some beautiful days
We've seen movement of people and the growing of trees
And of children, now taller who were once round my knees
Neighbours who've turned into wonderful friends
Whom I'll always care for until my life ends
Soon, this haven, where we first made our start
Will be a fond memory, locked away in my heart
To be treasured forever like the most precious of pearls
And shared with my family, two boys and three girls
In hope we'll draw closer as time presses on
The perfection I seek is that we'll all be as one
To love one another and share a good life
With friendships progressing and memories to savour
I look forward with sorrow of the path we shall take
But with hope for the future and of what we will make
Of our lives and our living down at Church Lane
Oh Lord give me this happiness all over again.
Ten years of our lives have we shared in this home
The fights and the laughter, the tantrums and tears
Our hopes for the future, our ambitions and fears
Parties and friends, family and loved ones have all been
Oh Lord what will happen, will it all start again?
And now we are moving away from Croft Heys
A place where we've spent some beautiful days
We've seen movement of people and the growing of trees
And of children, now taller who were once round my knees
Neighbours who've turned into wonderful friends
Whom I'll always care for until my life ends
Soon, this haven, where we first made our start
Will be a fond memory, locked away in my heart
To be treasured forever like the most precious of pearls
And shared with my family, two boys and three girls
In hope we'll draw closer as time presses on
The perfection I seek is that we'll all be as one
To love one another and share a good life
With friendships progressing and memories to savour
I look forward with sorrow of the path we shall take
But with hope for the future and of what we will make
Of our lives and our living down at Church Lane
Oh Lord give me this happiness all over again.
Let Me Die A Youngman's Death - Roger McGough
Let me die a youngman's death
not a clean and inbetween
the sheets holywater death
not a famous-last-words
peaceful out of breath death
When I'm 73
and in constant good tumour
may I be mown down at dawn
by a bright red sports car
on my way home
from an allnight party
Or when I'm 91
with silver hair
and sitting in a barber's chair
may rival gangsters
with hamfisted tommyguns burst in
and give me a short back and insides
Or when I'm 104
and banned from the Cavern
may my mistress
catching me in bed with her daughter
and fearing for her son
cut me up into little pieces
and throw away every piece but one
Let me die a youngman's death
not a free from sin tiptoe in
candle wax and waning death
not a curtains drawn by angels borne
'what a nice way to go' death
Roger McGough - click on title to go to Roger's web page
not a clean and inbetween
the sheets holywater death
not a famous-last-words
peaceful out of breath death
When I'm 73
and in constant good tumour
may I be mown down at dawn
by a bright red sports car
on my way home
from an allnight party
Or when I'm 91
with silver hair
and sitting in a barber's chair
may rival gangsters
with hamfisted tommyguns burst in
and give me a short back and insides
Or when I'm 104
and banned from the Cavern
may my mistress
catching me in bed with her daughter
and fearing for her son
cut me up into little pieces
and throw away every piece but one
Let me die a youngman's death
not a free from sin tiptoe in
candle wax and waning death
not a curtains drawn by angels borne
'what a nice way to go' death
Roger McGough - click on title to go to Roger's web page
Saturday, October 06, 2007
Sad Little Lady - written in 1969
Sad little lady sitting in your chair
Sad little lady, who can't go anywhere
Upset little woman, you're life has almost gone
Did any light shine on you
And having shined - shone on?
Oh poor sad lady what can you give this world
With your sadness and your tears
All your troubles now unfurled?
All the blessings that have blessed you
And passing quietly on - what can you do now
To rest your soul upon? My little sad lady
In your dirty purple coat
And your muddy Guinness by your side
My tears for you I cry
My sad little lady, with your lips quietly quivering
As you read the evening news
And I sit across the room - observing in the gloom
Your face and soul and Being
I'm wondering about you
My sad little lady
What's Within you is Without you
All your life.
Memories Were Made Of This
Dresses tapering round the knees
Winters crisp and naked trees...
Memories were made of this,
Of changing homes and fortunes,
Of being loved and loving back
Trains that made incessant chatter,
Billowing clouds and deep blue skies
Pebbled beaches and tuppence ha'penny to spend
Father's motor-bike roaring down the road
Reading Billy the Kid and enjoying it as much as I
Calderstones with the seasons dressed as ladies, ripe
Gypsies offering their wares and your fortune
Made out as ogres who eat small boys
I Spy and Boys Own - standing on bridges
For trains to envelop you in steam and smut.
Falling off bikes and being picked up, seeing
Only legs, not faces till they bent down.
Peering through the hole in the fence into Paradise.
Being kept in the bedroom when the Ratman called
So we wouldn't be poisoned.
Christmas with simplicity, sometimes snow,
Knowing that Jesus really loved you and calling
for Mummy when that shadow in the bedroom
Moved meanacingly near
Collecting rent with Daddy and getting tuppence
From Old men with tired faces and sitting
On the chair keeping quiet.
Standing in the garden, in the snow with sister
For our photograph - Remembering back
Through all those years
Memories Were Made Of This
Being sent away to school - I wondered
If I'd done anything wrong
Crying for my own home and Mummy to hold me close
Of coming home on the train that took forever
Almost
And Daddy big and Mummy warm to welcome me
Eventually a stranger
Of staying with Bryn and Betty and Bob in the pub
Where the barmaid was Sheila, dark and mysterious
Who was always kissing that man - and Bryn and I loved her
That derelict house, which became our palace
The girl we disturbed having a pee in the bushes
Oh sweet memories were made of this!
Halcyon days and those warm summer nights
When we couldn't sleep - that night with Ralph
When we watched the dawn come up and
We felt Holy and close to God and Switzerland
When I was a yob - it was as if I wasn't there.
The football matches on ice hard pitch
The lazy cricket and those headaches that hurt
Falling asleep in meadows and being late back
And being in love with Beryl at home and sometimes Anne
Then slowly / the beauty / of memories
Drifts into the hardness of realities
And I don't know
How lucky I am to be where it's at - Here and
Now in the peace and security of my own home
Watching my children make their own memories
click here >>>>Memories were made of this
written in the 70's - Click above and this is the pub I stayed at on many a week-end between 1957 and 1960
Winters crisp and naked trees...
Memories were made of this,
Of changing homes and fortunes,
Of being loved and loving back
Trains that made incessant chatter,
Billowing clouds and deep blue skies
Pebbled beaches and tuppence ha'penny to spend
Father's motor-bike roaring down the road
Reading Billy the Kid and enjoying it as much as I
Calderstones with the seasons dressed as ladies, ripe
Gypsies offering their wares and your fortune
Made out as ogres who eat small boys
I Spy and Boys Own - standing on bridges
For trains to envelop you in steam and smut.
Falling off bikes and being picked up, seeing
Only legs, not faces till they bent down.
Peering through the hole in the fence into Paradise.
Being kept in the bedroom when the Ratman called
So we wouldn't be poisoned.
Christmas with simplicity, sometimes snow,
Knowing that Jesus really loved you and calling
for Mummy when that shadow in the bedroom
Moved meanacingly near
Collecting rent with Daddy and getting tuppence
From Old men with tired faces and sitting
On the chair keeping quiet.
Standing in the garden, in the snow with sister
For our photograph - Remembering back
Through all those years
Memories Were Made Of This
Being sent away to school - I wondered
If I'd done anything wrong
Crying for my own home and Mummy to hold me close
Of coming home on the train that took forever
Almost
And Daddy big and Mummy warm to welcome me
Eventually a stranger
Of staying with Bryn and Betty and Bob in the pub
Where the barmaid was Sheila, dark and mysterious
Who was always kissing that man - and Bryn and I loved her
That derelict house, which became our palace
The girl we disturbed having a pee in the bushes
Oh sweet memories were made of this!
Halcyon days and those warm summer nights
When we couldn't sleep - that night with Ralph
When we watched the dawn come up and
We felt Holy and close to God and Switzerland
When I was a yob - it was as if I wasn't there.
The football matches on ice hard pitch
The lazy cricket and those headaches that hurt
Falling asleep in meadows and being late back
And being in love with Beryl at home and sometimes Anne
Then slowly / the beauty / of memories
Drifts into the hardness of realities
And I don't know
How lucky I am to be where it's at - Here and
Now in the peace and security of my own home
Watching my children make their own memories
click here >>>>Memories were made of this
written in the 70's - Click above and this is the pub I stayed at on many a week-end between 1957 and 1960
My Space
This is my book
My private space
Where I can climb mountains
And face my disgrace
This is my haven
My Confessor, my Friend
Where things I have written
I can read now and then
Yet not understand
What or why, yet I did
But I wrote it,
I wrote it,
I bloody well did!
I'm not Kipling or Keats
nor Thomas or Blake
Theirs is a Magic
this mortal can't make
I'm a speck, just a morsel
Who squeaks now and then
Just a few of my thoughts
Will spill from a pen
written in the 80's
My private space
Where I can climb mountains
And face my disgrace
This is my haven
My Confessor, my Friend
Where things I have written
I can read now and then
Yet not understand
What or why, yet I did
But I wrote it,
I wrote it,
I bloody well did!
I'm not Kipling or Keats
nor Thomas or Blake
Theirs is a Magic
this mortal can't make
I'm a speck, just a morsel
Who squeaks now and then
Just a few of my thoughts
Will spill from a pen
written in the 80's
In This Room
Sitting here in this room
in another place
Reflecting on life
and how I filled this space
Remembering the times
when I was cruel and unkind
Unearthing the bad aspects
Of me in my mind
And thinking of you
who has filled my life
My lover, my friend,
My wife
I am sorry that I may not be
All I could be
To you or our children
Or even to me
But I tell you this
and I tell it true
There's no one I love
In this world more than you
7th November 2001
in another place
Reflecting on life
and how I filled this space
Remembering the times
when I was cruel and unkind
Unearthing the bad aspects
Of me in my mind
And thinking of you
who has filled my life
My lover, my friend,
My wife
I am sorry that I may not be
All I could be
To you or our children
Or even to me
But I tell you this
and I tell it true
There's no one I love
In this world more than you
7th November 2001
Thursday, October 04, 2007
NEW! QUIZ QUESTIONS
You will notice on the left hand side of the page I have inserted a POLL element to the page. I thought it would be better if I have a little quiz question instead. I will publish the correct answer on the blog in November. Happy guessing!
EVENING CLASSES FOR MEN
EVENING CLASSES FOR MEN - (One of my more popular courses!)
Note: due to the complexity and level of difficulty, each course will accept a maximum of eight participants
The course covers two days, and topics covered in this course include:
DAY ONE
HOW TO FILL ICE CUBE TRAYS
Step by step guide with slide presentation
TOILET ROLLS- DO THEY GROW ON THE HOLDERS?
Roundtable discussion
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN LAUNDRY BASKET & FLOOR
Practicing with hamper (Pictures and graphics)
DISHES & SILVERWARE; DO THEY LEVITATE/FLY TO KITCHEN SINK OR DISHWASHER BY THEMSELVES?
Debate among a panel of experts.
LOSS OF VIRILITY
Losing the remote control to your significant other - Help line and support groups
LEARNING HOW TO FIND THINGS
Starting with looking in the right place instead of turning the house upside down while screaming - Open forum
DAY TWO
EMPTY MILK CARTONS; DO THEY BELONG IN THE FRIDGE OR THE BIN?
Group discussion and role-play
HEALTH WATCH; BRINGING HER FLOWERS IS NOT HARMFUL TO YOUR HEALTH
PowerPoint presentation
REAL MEN ASK FOR DIRECTIONS WHEN LOST
Real life testimonial from the one man who did
IS IT GENETICALLY IMPOSSIBLE TO SIT QUIETLY AS SHE PARALLEL PARKS?
Driving simulation
LIVING WITH ADULTS; BASIC DIFFERENCES BETWEEN YOUR MOTHER AND YOUR PARTNER
Online class and role-playing
HOW TO BE THE IDEAL SHOPPING COMPANION
Relaxation exercises, meditation and breathing techniques
REMEMBERING IMPORTANT DATES & CALLING WHEN YOU'RE GOING TO BE LATE
Bring your calendar or PDA to class
GETTING OVER IT; LEARNING HOW TO LIVE WITH BEING WRONG ALL THE TIME
Individual counsellors available
Note: due to the complexity and level of difficulty, each course will accept a maximum of eight participants
The course covers two days, and topics covered in this course include:
DAY ONE
HOW TO FILL ICE CUBE TRAYS
Step by step guide with slide presentation
TOILET ROLLS- DO THEY GROW ON THE HOLDERS?
Roundtable discussion
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN LAUNDRY BASKET & FLOOR
Practicing with hamper (Pictures and graphics)
DISHES & SILVERWARE; DO THEY LEVITATE/FLY TO KITCHEN SINK OR DISHWASHER BY THEMSELVES?
Debate among a panel of experts.
LOSS OF VIRILITY
Losing the remote control to your significant other - Help line and support groups
LEARNING HOW TO FIND THINGS
Starting with looking in the right place instead of turning the house upside down while screaming - Open forum
DAY TWO
EMPTY MILK CARTONS; DO THEY BELONG IN THE FRIDGE OR THE BIN?
Group discussion and role-play
HEALTH WATCH; BRINGING HER FLOWERS IS NOT HARMFUL TO YOUR HEALTH
PowerPoint presentation
REAL MEN ASK FOR DIRECTIONS WHEN LOST
Real life testimonial from the one man who did
IS IT GENETICALLY IMPOSSIBLE TO SIT QUIETLY AS SHE PARALLEL PARKS?
Driving simulation
LIVING WITH ADULTS; BASIC DIFFERENCES BETWEEN YOUR MOTHER AND YOUR PARTNER
Online class and role-playing
HOW TO BE THE IDEAL SHOPPING COMPANION
Relaxation exercises, meditation and breathing techniques
REMEMBERING IMPORTANT DATES & CALLING WHEN YOU'RE GOING TO BE LATE
Bring your calendar or PDA to class
GETTING OVER IT; LEARNING HOW TO LIVE WITH BEING WRONG ALL THE TIME
Individual counsellors available
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Peter Perfect's Birthday Poem - April 1993
He knows who he is!
He's D.I.Y.'d washed up and dried
And fixed that leaking tap
He's mowed the lawn and cut the hedge
And even had a crap
He's read three books on better Bridge
Whilst fixing faulty fuses
He thinks things through so carefully
Excepting when he loses!
Then he's like a lunatic
Wild eyed and don't you dare
As much as question that last card
Keep your head down and Beware!
If Sir is rattled, then look out
He suffers no fool gladly
And because he's fair that includes him
So I suffer when he's playing badly!
But Peter Perfect can't be changed
The years have failed to alter
His quest for reason and fair play
In that he will not falter,
Nor does his mood when in his mind
The balance is not quite right...
"Hey! Sometimes we win, sometimes we lose
Who really gives a shite?
It's playing games and having fun
And learning Bridge together."
"Fuck off! It's not, you stupid prick
It's winning - come whatever!!"
Monday, October 01, 2007
Baby – I Love You And Your Moustache
Baby, it grows on you
That knightly fringe
that adorns your upper lip
Proud, majestic, manly
Curling at the ends,
so arrogant a growth
Twitching,
tense at every move
Like whiskers on a cat
Feeling, knowing – so sure
Baby – I love you
And your moustache
But – couldn’t we see
A specialist
And ask if we
Could remove it
And put it
On a fella
1968
That knightly fringe
that adorns your upper lip
Proud, majestic, manly
Curling at the ends,
so arrogant a growth
Twitching,
tense at every move
Like whiskers on a cat
Feeling, knowing – so sure
Baby – I love you
And your moustache
But – couldn’t we see
A specialist
And ask if we
Could remove it
And put it
On a fella
1968
Sidewalk Blues – or Pavement Paranoia - 1968
The idle faces
of a disinterested human race
Tumble away like spilt evaporated cream
and die slowly in a council grid
Spotty-faced shop girls
with tight tops showing
And goofy uneven teeth
spread in their faces like pebbledash
Gurgle into boutiques
like the last of my bathwater
going down my plug
They struggle into clothes
meant for Twiggy & Shrimp
And without knowing it –
turn themselves into immediate cartoons
But not in colour.
I peep in and see their bottoms.
Shades spits them back out
to create more ugliness on the sidewalk
A road sweeper
accidentally throws one in his cart
And carries on risking his life
in the traffic of Church Street
The man outside Marks
has still got his blades for sale
But the growth on his chin
shows business in blades is bad
Red amber green - amber red amber green –
fatwomen everywhere
Suddenly a familiar face,
but you blink and she’s gone
Disappearing into a gaping doorway –
offering herself
To be financially assaulted in the BHS
Suddenly, as I watch,
everyone’s legs disappear
And hemlines drop like stones
and I feel sad
Women stumble everywhere
with awkward dresses
And faces to match –
but the fatwomen everywhere
Are happy and remember the old days
They rush to the cupboards
and pull out their drawers
And suddenly again
become stupid with the rest
of a disinterested human race
Tumble away like spilt evaporated cream
and die slowly in a council grid
Spotty-faced shop girls
with tight tops showing
And goofy uneven teeth
spread in their faces like pebbledash
Gurgle into boutiques
like the last of my bathwater
going down my plug
They struggle into clothes
meant for Twiggy & Shrimp
And without knowing it –
turn themselves into immediate cartoons
But not in colour.
I peep in and see their bottoms.
Shades spits them back out
to create more ugliness on the sidewalk
A road sweeper
accidentally throws one in his cart
And carries on risking his life
in the traffic of Church Street
The man outside Marks
has still got his blades for sale
But the growth on his chin
shows business in blades is bad
Red amber green - amber red amber green –
fatwomen everywhere
Suddenly a familiar face,
but you blink and she’s gone
Disappearing into a gaping doorway –
offering herself
To be financially assaulted in the BHS
Suddenly, as I watch,
everyone’s legs disappear
And hemlines drop like stones
and I feel sad
Women stumble everywhere
with awkward dresses
And faces to match –
but the fatwomen everywhere
Are happy and remember the old days
They rush to the cupboards
and pull out their drawers
And suddenly again
become stupid with the rest
Thursday, September 27, 2007
The Day Begins - written 2nd Jan 1983
The day begins now with the sun 
Giving light and warmth to everyone
But my heart is dark inside
The sun can't reach it, but it's tried
The day begins now with a prayer
Peace and love to people everywhere
But peace and love escape me now
I've tried to capture them, but how?
The day begins now with a song
Of hope and purpose - a need to belong
But my songs are out of key
It's as if they don't belong to me
The day begins now with a dream
Of being part of life's mainstream
And adding more and more each day
But it very rarely works that way
The day begins now without you
I wonder how I'll struggle through
Another day of heartache and pain
And wishing for our time again
And wishing for our time again.
Giving light and warmth to everyone
But my heart is dark inside
The sun can't reach it, but it's tried
The day begins now with a prayer
Peace and love to people everywhere
But peace and love escape me now
I've tried to capture them, but how?
The day begins now with a song
Of hope and purpose - a need to belong
But my songs are out of key
It's as if they don't belong to me
The day begins now with a dream
Of being part of life's mainstream
And adding more and more each day
But it very rarely works that way
The day begins now without you
I wonder how I'll struggle through
Another day of heartache and pain
And wishing for our time again
And wishing for our time again.
Perhaps Love - John Denver
Perhaps love is like a resting place, a shelter from the storm
It exists to give you comfort, it is there to keep you warm
And in those times of trouble when you are most alone
The memory of love will bring you home
Perhaps love is like a window, perhaps an open door
It invites you to come closer, it wants to show you more
And even if you lose yourself and don't know what to do
The memory of love will see you through
Love to some is like a cloud, to some as strong as steel
For some a way of living, for some a way to feel
And some say love is holding on and some say letting go
And some say love is everything, and some say they don't know
Perhaps love is like the ocean, full of conflict, full of pain
Like a fire when it's cold outside, thunder when it rains
If I should live forever, and all my dreams come true
My memories of love will be of you
It exists to give you comfort, it is there to keep you warm
And in those times of trouble when you are most alone
The memory of love will bring you home
Perhaps love is like a window, perhaps an open door
It invites you to come closer, it wants to show you more
And even if you lose yourself and don't know what to do
The memory of love will see you through
Love to some is like a cloud, to some as strong as steel
For some a way of living, for some a way to feel
And some say love is holding on and some say letting go
And some say love is everything, and some say they don't know
Perhaps love is like the ocean, full of conflict, full of pain
Like a fire when it's cold outside, thunder when it rains
If I should live forever, and all my dreams come true
My memories of love will be of you
40 Years On - 27th Feb 1983
You've travelled down life's road together
For forty years and all kinds of weather
Good times, bad times, sad times, glad times
And sometimes, just times, but still together
No partnership is perfect or so the sages say
But you've battled through and here you are today
Surrounded by your family - all close to you at heart
Remembering together, the day you made your start
And hopeful for your future, in the autumn of your years
That it will contain much laughter and very rarely tears
That happiness will fill your lives and may contentment be your friend
In the knowing that the 'partnership' has worked, right to the very end
For forty years and all kinds of weather
Good times, bad times, sad times, glad times
And sometimes, just times, but still together
No partnership is perfect or so the sages say
But you've battled through and here you are today
Surrounded by your family - all close to you at heart
Remembering together, the day you made your start
And hopeful for your future, in the autumn of your years
That it will contain much laughter and very rarely tears
That happiness will fill your lives and may contentment be your friend
In the knowing that the 'partnership' has worked, right to the very end
The poem above was inspired by my Mum's poem to my Dad which is as follows:
It was a lovely sunny day, that day we made our vows
Do you recall those bright blue skies? I can even now
No church bell rang for us (that's one thing I regret)
They rang only for "Invasion" - that War we can't forget
Our firstborn came the following year to warm our youthful hearts
But within the year you left us, to go to foreign parts
Soon the War was over, we were together once again
Searching for a little home, but we did not complain
For we were young and full of hope, the future looked quite bright
Then another babe was born - a boy - that made it right
Now a family of four and we had found a little home
It made an anchor in our lives, we did not want to roam
So here we are, in ripe old age, still partners that's for sure
We've watched our children have their babes, we could not ask for more
Each one has brought us pleasure and in return we give our love
And for those joys we have received, I thank the Lord above
Forty years of memories, we can still recall my dear
Forty years of partnership - it seems like yesteryear
There's a passage in The Bible, which makes a perfect end
"This is my Beloved and this is my Friend".
Mum and Dad Ruby Wedding 1983. Mum died 1993 - Dad died 2003
As the mist leaves no scar - Leonard Cohen
As the mist leaves no scar
On the dark green hill
So my body leaves no scar
On you nor ever will
When wind and hawk encounter
What remains to keep?
So you and I encounter
Then turn, then fall to sleep
As many nights endure
Without a moon or star
So will we endure
When one is gone and far
Click on title for biography of Leonard Cohen
On the dark green hill
So my body leaves no scar
On you nor ever will
When wind and hawk encounter
What remains to keep?
So you and I encounter
Then turn, then fall to sleep
As many nights endure
Without a moon or star
So will we endure
When one is gone and far
Click on title for biography of Leonard Cohen
Life - Boxing Day 1982
Life is for living
For taking and giving
For caring and sharing
For crying and dying
For failing and trying
Again and again
To make each day brighter...
Each others' load lighter
Than it was before
For taking and giving
For caring and sharing
For crying and dying
For failing and trying
Again and again
To make each day brighter...
Each others' load lighter
Than it was before
A Night at the Royal Court - Liverpool 3rd Dec 1981
See the pretty painted faces, moving
See the girlies, laces, frilly, waving
Watch the bright eyes, shallow, glistening
Hear the silence in the theatre, listening
Crunch the paper cups beneath your feet
See the dust and feel the heat
Rivers flowing, people gathering
Buzzing, bustling, cursing, laughing
Rolling up to see the show
Will it go or will it go?
Moving swiftly now the doors are open,
Empty faces filling seats,
Now in the House become possessed
Anticipating a night's success
The lights dim low, the scene is set
Then like the manic demons screeching
Comes the catastrophic wail beseeching
Lights are flashing - voices raising higher
And now the night is under way!
The yelling, loudest at the last
Like a climax, soon is past....
And out they spit into the streets
Leaving rows of empty seats
Take it down and get them out
Get them in tomorrow night
Tomorrow there's another show
Will it go or will it go?
Human League - 3rd Dec '81, when I was working at the Royal Court
See the girlies, laces, frilly, waving
Watch the bright eyes, shallow, glistening
Hear the silence in the theatre, listening
Crunch the paper cups beneath your feet
See the dust and feel the heat
Rivers flowing, people gathering
Buzzing, bustling, cursing, laughing
Rolling up to see the show
Will it go or will it go?
Moving swiftly now the doors are open,
Empty faces filling seats,
Now in the House become possessed
Anticipating a night's success
The lights dim low, the scene is set
Then like the manic demons screeching
Comes the catastrophic wail beseeching
Lights are flashing - voices raising higher
And now the night is under way!
The yelling, loudest at the last
Like a climax, soon is past....
And out they spit into the streets
Leaving rows of empty seats
Take it down and get them out
Get them in tomorrow night
Tomorrow there's another show
Will it go or will it go?
Human League - 3rd Dec '81, when I was working at the Royal Court
Seasons Of The Heart by John Denver
Of course we have our differences
You shouldn't be surprised
It's as natural as changes
In the seasons and the skies
Sometimes we grow together
Sometimes we drift apart
A wiser man than I might know
The seasons of the heart
And I'm walking here beside you
In the early evening chill
A thing we've always loved to do
And I know we always will
We have so much in common
So many things we share
That I can't believe my heart
When it implies that you're not there
Love is why I came here in the first place
Love is now the reason I must go
Love is all I ever hoped to find here
Love is still the only dream I know
So I don't know how to tell you
It's difficult to say
I never in my wildest dreams
Imagined it this way
But sometimes
I just don't know you
There's a stranger in our home
When I'm lying right beside you
Is when I'm most alone
And I think my heart is broken
There's an emptiness inside
So many things I've longed for
Have so often been denied
Still I wouldn't try to change you
There's no one that's to blame
It's just some things that mean so much
And we just don't feel the same
Love is why I came here in the first place
Love is now the reason I must go
Love is all I ever hoped to find here
Love is still the only dream I know
True love is still the only dream I know
You shouldn't be surprised
It's as natural as changes
In the seasons and the skies
Sometimes we grow together
Sometimes we drift apart
A wiser man than I might know
The seasons of the heart
And I'm walking here beside you
In the early evening chill
A thing we've always loved to do
And I know we always will
We have so much in common
So many things we share
That I can't believe my heart
When it implies that you're not there
Love is why I came here in the first place
Love is now the reason I must go
Love is all I ever hoped to find here
Love is still the only dream I know
So I don't know how to tell you
It's difficult to say
I never in my wildest dreams
Imagined it this way
But sometimes
I just don't know you
There's a stranger in our home
When I'm lying right beside you
Is when I'm most alone
And I think my heart is broken
There's an emptiness inside
So many things I've longed for
Have so often been denied
Still I wouldn't try to change you
There's no one that's to blame
It's just some things that mean so much
And we just don't feel the same
Love is why I came here in the first place
Love is now the reason I must go
Love is all I ever hoped to find here
Love is still the only dream I know
True love is still the only dream I know
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